Hi Joe,
Just got back from a weekend at Grattan. Love that track!
Here's how I rate your selections:
CAR LAP TIME, DRIVING EXPERIENCE, COST TO MAINTAIN, COST TO MODIFY
Corvette Z51 4 6 5 5
Z06 2 6 5 5
Evo MR 6 5 6 6
Subaru Sti 6 5 6 6
M3 5 3 8 8
Elise 5 1 8 7
S2000 6 2 6 6
Range
1-10
TOTALS
Corvette Z51 20
Z06 18
Evo MR 23
Subaru Sti 23
M3 24
Elise 21
S2000 20
The most important stuff for me would be acquisition cost of a track car and
the experience (what you have during and what you take home after track day).
I would not purchase a new car. I would purchase a used car that's at least
3 years old.
I'm currently considering a '95 Miata. I can buy parts at a reasonable price,
tow it on a light-weight trailer, pull it with an inexpensive Ford Ranger and
easily keep it in good repair (5000+2000+4000+2000=$13,000 (car, trailer,
ranger, modifications)).
I will never again buy a new car and beat the [censored] out of it like I did with
the S2000.
Let's say that you want the ultimate lap time. I'd suggest a used Z06 at
about $20-25,000, trailer, 9,000 lb capacity tow vehicle and $6,000 for mods.
You'll go fast but not get the exhiliration of driving because the suspension
and steering isolates you from the driving experience.
I would not buy the Z51 when there are Z06 available and it's value will be
hit hard when the new Z06 is marketed.
I would not do an Evo or STi because they brake too often and modifications
cost a lot of money.
An E36 M3, trailer, tow vehicle and expensive modifications is on the high
side, but you get good driver's experience. You go home knowing that you've
driven a race track all day.
The S2000 is so much fun that I can not belive it. That's why at my late age
and fairly fragile health, I decided to try tracking a new car. They can now
be bought for $15,000 with under 50K miles on them, Trailex trailer for
$2,500, modified Ranger for $4,000 and modifications for track (not forced
induction) at $5,000 and you're in for packaged fun every time $26,500.
But, the above would be my second choice were I you. You're young enough to
wait for 6-9 months when a lot of Elise will be available for under $30,000.
I estimate about half of the folks that buy them will be sick of them within
a year. It's not a daily driver. It's not a weekender (no luggage, stiff
ride). It's a race car in street dress. All you need is the trailer and the
truck and you're in for fun and experience that is at the highest level for
about $35,000. The downside is repairs. If it breakes, you have very limited
choice for parts and, if needed, labor.
If you track seriously, you'll go off track. Going off track always hurts a
car; maybe just a little but always. This weekend about 20 cars went off
track.